What is Youth Challenge
Youth Challenge is one of the leading nonprofit organizations in Northeast Ohio, pairing children with physical disabilities with trained teen volunteers for adaptive sports, recreation, arts, and life-skills programs—all at no cost to families.
Our purpose is simple: to ensure that every child, regardless of physical ability, can play, make friends, and thrive in a safe, welcoming environment. This changes lives in extraordinary ways.
Mission
Youth Challenge brings together young people with physical disabilities and teen volunteers who inspire each other through adapted sports, recreation, and social growth activities.
Vision
Youth Challenge is the recognized leader in Northeast Ohio for enriching the lives of young people of all abilities, and supporting their growth and well-being.
DEI Commitment
Inclusion is Our Superpower.
At Youth Challenge, everyone is empowered to be themselves.
We were created to be inclusive. We strive to provide equitable opportunities for all. We are committed to being more diverse to celebrate our differences and broaden our shared experiences.
Youth Challenge was founded in 1976 to give young people the opportunity to play sports and have fun, regardless of their physical abilities. Today we strive to build on that legacy by becoming the most diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization we can be, and we ask everyone in the YC community to help us achieve this goal.
Our continued commitment is to ensure Youth Challenge is Diverse, where we represent and appreciate the range of differences in our community; Equitable, where we provide fair opportunities based on individual needs; and Inclusive, where everyone feels valued, supported, and respected.
130+ Participants
300+ Programs Per Year
95% of Participants Receive Transportation
$0 Cost to Families
300+ Teen Volunteers
50 Years Strong
How Youth Challenge Changes Lives
Our programs are about more than recreation. They are about growth and connection.
- Participants gain confidence, independence, and social skills.
- Teen volunteers develop disability awareness, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to inclusion.
- Families gain respite from caretaking and a supportive community.
Our Community of Support
As a trusted nonprofit in Cleveland, Youth Challenge relies on the dedication of hundreds of volunteers, professionals, and donors who believe in our mission. Together, we keep the vans running, the programs strong, and the smiles big.
Become a Pit Crew Partner!
$100 fuels one of our accessible vans, getting participants to and from programs safely and on time at no cost to families
A History of Inclusion and Impact
Founded in 1976 by Mary Sue (Anter) Tanis, Youth Challenge began with just ten children and ten volunteers in Fairview Park, Ohio. Inspired by her experience working with injured Vietnam veterans, Mary Sue envisioned a community where young people with physical disabilities could stay active, connect with others, and build confidence.
Over the years, Youth Challenge has grown from a small local program into one of the most impactful nonprofit organizations for kids in Northeast Ohio.
1976 – Mary Sue Tanis founded Youth Challenge (then Fairview Specials) in Fairview Park with 10 kids and 10 teen volunteers.
1983 – Incorporated and began year-round programming
1984 – Renamed Westshore Recreational Challenge to reflect Cleveland’s West Side focus
1989 – Expanded to Cleveland’s East Side and Lorain County; became Youth Challenge (YC).
2008 – Completed $2M campaign and moved into 16,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Westlake
2009 – Eliminated program fees, making all programs free for families
2012 – Expanded program offerings to include competitive Paralympic sports
2017 – Expanded Westlake HQ by 30% with new fitness center and arts space
2020 – Became a member of Move United, a national leader in adaptive sports
2026 – YC celebrates its 50th anniversary!
Check out the Youth Challenge Blog
